tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65425807704596112302014-10-01T02:16:40.558-05:00Life After ConvocationA 26 year old University graduate trying to make it in non-academic reality. Follow her through the ups and downs of life after receiving the mythologized &amp; ever useful diploma.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-32342854726208278032011-06-30T12:09:00.000-05:002011-06-30T12:09:14.350-05:00Miss CoordinatorI finally got the big break I have been looking for! I am officially a coordinator at a non-profit!<br /><br />I can't even believe it. I applied for a job I thought I had no chance at. I waited and waited and nothing... then a phone call a month later. An interview 2 days later. And a job a week after contact.<br /><br />I'm freaking out a little inside. The job is so big. Can I do it? My new boss seems so confident in me. I don't want to let him down. I finally found the person who wanted to take a chance on me. <br /><br />Life is changing. I'm a good scared.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-62544566984342430312011-04-10T13:25:00.000-05:002011-04-10T13:25:28.641-05:00IndependenceThere is something to be said about independence and the feeling it can bring.<br /><br />This morning, a Sunday. I'm in my small kitchen. I want a coffee to start the day off. I grab my french press.<br /><br />An AM ritual begins.<br /><br />Grab the press.<br />Fill the kettle.<br />Turn on the stove.<br />Get the coffee from the cupboard.<br />Choose a mug.<br />Wait. Wait. Wait.<br />The whistle of the water.<br />The sizzle against the coffee.<br />Wait. Wait. Wait.<br />Press.<br />Ahhh.<br />Black hits white porcelain.<br />Mmm...<br /><br />For some reason, this little ritual represents independence for me. I am alone in my own kitchen. Doing my thing. Uninterrupted. It's quiet. It's calm. I'm doing this for myself and that's all.<br /><br />Just felt the urge to share my moment. <br /><br /><br /><br />I've been very absent. Things in life are confusing, but interesting and amazing things are happening. The less I write here, you can assume the better life becomes for me!JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-5253340428675852202011-02-25T13:08:00.000-06:002011-02-25T13:08:43.378-06:00Doors and Windows Opening and ClosingHello World!<br /><br />It seems I have been neglecting this blog. The way it seems is the way it is! I have been busy with so many other projects in life- real and virtual that I have not had time to log work on this blog. <br /><br />However, today I have something to share.<br /><br />I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about life and careers and school and etc. I started to wonder if social services was the right path for me. I began to explore other options. Since I have been working mainly shift work for over 10 years now I decided that I wanted to get a regular ol' full time day job. A 9 to 5'er or an 8-4'er if you so please.<br /><br />Shift work has taken a toll on my social life over the years. When you work shifts, you work odd hours. A lot of the time those times clash with your friend's or significant other's work hours. Your relationships suffer as a result. This is what has happened to me anyway because I have always put working as my priority. Not more important than my relationships, but being financially comfortable was important to me.<br /><br />Anyway, I applied for some office work. Easy, brain-less, crisis-free work just to see what it was all about. I put my name into a staffing agency who called me this week to set up an interview.<br /><br />I felt weird going into this interview because I had no idea what a normal job's interview would be like. I'm used to the detailed questions that are involved in social services like "tell me about a time where you diffused a crisis involving a client" or "how have you dealt with a client who was suicidal?" I wasn't nervous about this interview because I knew there wouldn't be questions like those, but I was still unsure what to expect.<br /><br />My interviewer was very nice and pleasant. We went over my computer test results and she was impressed with my PowerPoint, Word, and typing skills. Yeah! That's a plus. I always thought I was a slow typer.<br /><br />We talked about my current job in the Drug Treatment Facility. Then told me she may be hiring for a research assistant for the Truth &amp; Reconciliation Commission of Canada and told me she would rather get me to interview for that job which she thinks would be a better fit and I would be more satisfied there than just doing office tasks. I was floored! She also told me that by looking at my resume she can tell I am over-qualified to do the office job. I thought that was very nice of her to say. I appreciated the fact that she noticed the work I have been doing.<br /><br />In summary, when one door closes another opens. If I hadn't quit my job, I wouldn't be looking for something else. If I hadn't gone out on a limb and applied for a menial office job, then I would never have met my great interviewer who wants to fit people into their perfect jobs!<br /><br />In other news, I am in the running for a full time position at the Drug Treatment Facility. However, I won't know until the middle of March at the earliest. My contract there is up in April. Things are all up in the air right now!<br /><br />Happy Reading Week to ALL the students!JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-39917842167897575342011-02-02T13:42:00.000-06:002011-02-02T13:42:19.876-06:00Daily Meditation<i>"It's incredibly easy to get caught up in an activity trap, in the busy-ness of life, to work harder and harder at climbing the ladder of success only to discover it's leaning against the wrong wall"</i><br /><br />-Stephen Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People<br /><br />I think this is very poignant for a lot of people who are soul-searching or career-digging right now. It's poignant in my situation of being unsure of the next path to take in my road. It really made me think, hope it does the same for you!<br /><br />Happy Wednesday!JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-61234998245487786612011-01-26T00:36:00.000-06:002011-01-26T00:36:17.751-06:00Solo Pie ChartI have been living solo for 5 months now and I have realized there are definite benefits to having your own space. Benefits that deserve their own pie chart!!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TT-_aApiWlI/AAAAAAAAAGc/gdy5IKqpa5Y/s1600/Solo+Pie+Chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TT-_aApiWlI/AAAAAAAAAGc/gdy5IKqpa5Y/s400/Solo+Pie+Chart.png" width="400" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see, "Hanging Out in PJs on Days Off" takes the cake (or is that the pie?).&nbsp; I love watching Keeping up with the Kardashians in my pyjamas and having a fully stocked fridge of pickles, club soda, and perogies.&nbsp; However, I do miss living with my beau at times, of course. But, having a little space and independence feels great. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't made a pie chart in so many years, I was lucky I even remembered and was able to fanangle my way through Windows 7. Haha.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you live solo, what are your favourite things about it? </div>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-52849644539569191752011-01-21T15:06:00.000-06:002011-01-21T15:06:06.555-06:00Quarter Life InterventionI've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Thinking about everything- life, love, school, work, travel, friendships, family. Literally thinking about EVERYTHING. Thinking about how these things affect me, how I interact within them, and how relevant they are to the big picture of my life. <br /><br />The words "quarter life crisis" seem to echo in my brain these days, however, I do not want to label the type of change I seem to be going through. The change that is taking place within me is more of a shift from future oriented, work focused to a present-living, life focused. I felt like if I didn't make a change soon I will have missed out on a lot of life while focusing on school and making money. I don't want to look back and regret anything.<br /><br />I've already begun my paradigm shift. I've been focusing on myself a lot more and doing things that make me happy- like snowshoeing for hours in -30C and planning to run a 5K race. It's a start! I'm also planning a solo trip- I just don't know where yet! I also quit a job that wasn't fulfilling me and no longer enjoyed. I did that because I felt like<i> if I'm not enjoying myself or learning, then it is not adding anything to the quality of my life. </i>It just clicked in my head and I decided to make the difficult decision that I was hemming and hawing over for months, and<b> I am happy now</b>. <br /><br />I'm not sure where I picked up my instinct that work was so important to life. Obviously working = money and money = stuff and whatnot. However, the "stuff &amp; whatnot" is exactly what I want to live without and have been for awhile now. I always seem to worry about money, it most likely comes from my poor upbringing- but as of right now travel is the only thing I long for. <br /><br />I'm not sure if I have explained my feelings very well. But I can sum it up more along the lines of: <i>life is more valuable than work. </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TTn0HyHmtkI/AAAAAAAAAGY/7QVnrJ5NWG4/s1600/interesting_life.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TTn0HyHmtkI/AAAAAAAAAGY/7QVnrJ5NWG4/s320/interesting_life.png" width="320" /></a></div>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-14982794882520132842011-01-11T23:52:00.000-06:002011-01-11T23:52:10.805-06:00Link LoveJust found <a href="http://www.yesandyes.org/2011/01/how-to-love-your-life-even-if-you-hate.html">this </a>great post at the blog <a href="http://www.yesandyes.org/">Yes and Yes</a>.<br /><br />I don't actually hate any of my 3 jobs, but sometimes I just dislike where I am at this point in my life. But this post definitely put a little smile on my face because I have recently been doing and done a few of the things the author mentions and I am slowly working toward something great! News to follow in the coming weeks!JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-59475814113821683832010-12-24T10:49:00.001-06:002010-12-24T11:15:26.334-06:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TRTO7-9_LKI/AAAAAAAAAGU/ZcIrwFJCHI4/s1600/ABC+Project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TRTO7-9_LKI/AAAAAAAAAGU/ZcIrwFJCHI4/s320/ABC+Project.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />This installment's subject is courtesy of <a href="http://summerofkim.blogspot.com/">Kim</a>. A great friend to have coffee with a dish the dirt of our lives.<br /><br />H is for Hope. Pretty self-explanatory. You hope you'll get good grades. Hope you pass that exam. That moves into hoping you graduate on time. Hope you can find a job you love. If it's me, hope you can find any job that somehow relates to your field. Then, hoping you made the right choice for your life. Hoping things will look up and hoping you didn't waste 5 years and thousands of dollars. We are all hoping we find our way in life and ultimately, I'm hoping I find my way to true happiness.<br /><br />Have a great holiday season everyone!<br /><br />Hope is in the air.&nbsp; I can feel it.<br /><br />Also, some interesting news coming in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TRTOvFfJNRI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/B7fLlMcnVgo/s1600/There+is+always+hope-251688.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TRTOvFfJNRI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/B7fLlMcnVgo/s320/There+is+always+hope-251688.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-69043336137843719822010-12-16T22:56:00.000-06:002010-12-16T22:56:54.337-06:00What I Learned TonightSome people will always finish last, no matter how hard they study or work. Some people will never get the breaks they are looking for. They just keep waiting and looking for that opportunity that never passes by, or it passes over them.<br /><br />More on this subject at another time.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-18572494949503231802010-12-02T23:53:00.000-06:002010-12-02T23:53:58.320-06:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TPiDgXiec-I/AAAAAAAAAGI/IVIPX8BzF_w/s1600/ABC+Project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TPiDgXiec-I/AAAAAAAAAGI/IVIPX8BzF_w/s320/ABC+Project.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>G is for Grand Ideas</b>. The grand ideas that you have as a student- as you sit in class you think about how you will change the world with all the knowledge that you are accumulating. I thought about how I would be doing front line crisis work with women who were escaping abuse. Instead, I was just taking care of their children while other people did the work I longed for.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-14478133514059157862010-12-01T20:39:00.000-06:002010-12-01T20:39:46.271-06:00Overheard... at the Race Track<i>Enter two elderly couples with coffee cups. They sit at a table together. </i><br /><br />Old Man 1: I hate this time of year<br /><br />Old Man 2: I know.<br /><br />Old Man 1: Holly jolly Christmas. You can shove it up your ass!<br /><br />Old Lady 1: I hate Christmas carols.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-49722459501816429122010-11-24T16:32:00.001-06:002010-11-24T16:34:14.491-06:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TO2SgCyGeUI/AAAAAAAAAGE/OJy_NHWuqvM/s1600/ABC+Project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TO2SgCyGeUI/AAAAAAAAAGE/OJy_NHWuqvM/s320/ABC+Project.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span id="goog_1634207924"><b>F is for finals</b>. It is that time of year again when students are writing their last papers and exams for their 3 credit classes. There are a few other letters that go along with finals; <i>C for caffeine, L for late nights, and A for anxiety. </i>Been there, done that, will probably do it again at some point.&nbsp; <i><br /></i></span><br /><br /><span id="goog_1634207924">Good Luck My Studious Peers!&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span id="goog_1634207924"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pendletonpanther.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/final-exams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://pendletonpanther.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/final-exams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span id="goog_1634207924"><br /></span>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-14979416197260571662010-11-20T06:47:00.000-06:002010-11-20T06:47:32.708-06:00What I Learned Today...Today, I learned that laughter can solve almost anything- even suicide. <br /><br />Today at 5:45am, I got a phone call from a 63 year old terminal cancer patient, who is also an addict. She was intoxicated and suicidal. However, laughter, a listening ear, and a new perspective was all she needed to "not feel like cutting [her] throat anymore." It may have gone against my Suicide Intervention training, but&nbsp;I got us both through it, and we were both thankful for that.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-87728635325797900132010-11-18T16:20:00.000-06:002010-11-18T16:20:39.751-06:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TOWipDSZkHI/AAAAAAAAAGA/6kkA_cUxPlI/s1600/ABC+Project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TOWipDSZkHI/AAAAAAAAAGA/6kkA_cUxPlI/s320/ABC+Project.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />E is for the end of an era. Some people spend decades in school, they are called professional students. I was in school for just over 5 years. It was a big part of my life. When I finally graduated it felt weird to be done. It was even more weird when I didn't have to worry about saving money for next semester or choosing my courses. Now, I've almost forgot what all those things feel like.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-7028588927745604142010-11-10T16:15:00.000-06:002010-11-10T16:15:04.093-06:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TNsZGPnNVkI/AAAAAAAAAF8/iDieejIel0Y/s1600/ABC+Project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TNsZGPnNVkI/AAAAAAAAAF8/iDieejIel0Y/s320/ABC+Project.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>D is for DEBT.</b> Everyone with a degree (and some without) has some sort of debt whether it is a loan, line of credit, credit card, etc. I was lucky enough to escape with a minimal amount of student loans when I graduated, but there is no doubt that that small amount came at a greater cost. I worked full time and went to school full time. My relationship was part time and that is something that I need to live with and regret for some time to come.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://happylists.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/student-debt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://happylists.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/student-debt.gif" width="320" /></a></div>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-310995060736037532010-11-06T03:58:00.000-05:002010-11-06T03:58:41.093-05:00Tingle & ItchThere is something going on just beneath my skin. It feels a bit like a tingle and a lot like an itch. When I scratch, it just gets more intense. It usually starts in an arm and moves to the back of my neck. Then, it shoots to the centre of my brain and sits for awhile. It hangs on and is hard to shake loose. <br /><br />The feeling has been happening about once a day since the Fall weather has reappeared. Perhaps this feeling has something to do with the memory of last year's Fall. Or maybe it has something to do with the stagnation I have been feeling in my life and surroundings. Whatever the reason is, the tingle is exciting and the itch is driving me up the walls. <br /><br />The thoughts, the feelings, the itch and the tingle... they all have to do with a beautiful city. Vancouver. I spent a fraction of last Fall there. The most beautiful Fall I had ever witnessed. Mountains. Oceans. Fog. Rain. Red, yellow, and orange Maple leaves as big as my head. I spent it on ferries and trains. Eating fresh grapes and wine. Shopping the market and walking Robson. These images, these memories, and feelings will not leave me now as we head into another cold, deadly Winnipeg winter. <br /><br />I'm not sure if a mere visit will satiate the tingle. The itch is greedy and wants to witness the spectacular sites everyday. My future in Winnipeg is uncertain as my contract is up in April and my lease is up in June -then what? Until then, the tingle will remain and the itch refuses to fade.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-54651266303346203292010-10-28T21:38:00.004-05:002010-10-28T21:45:36.594-05:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TMoz05-3rWI/AAAAAAAAAFE/GyzM6HHNTcc/s1600/ABC+Project.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TMoz05-3rWI/AAAAAAAAAFE/GyzM6HHNTcc/s400/ABC+Project.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533292076188806498" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">C is for <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> choosing children over education. </span> Sorry Mommies! I just had different priorities directly after high school that did not involve my legs over my head in the back of a pick up and faulty contraception.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TMo04jJfU6I/AAAAAAAAAFM/DR4wni0t8WU/s1600/diploma_baby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TMo04jJfU6I/AAAAAAAAAFM/DR4wni0t8WU/s400/diploma_baby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533293238290437026" /></a>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-44018997493986231102010-10-27T07:45:00.003-05:002010-10-27T07:46:42.025-05:00What I Learned TonightI've just gotten home from an overnight shift. All I have to say is that my eyelids are very heavy and that 7am looks a lot like 11pm when you are walking to and from work in the rain and wind.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-23513695963267998842010-10-18T22:15:00.005-05:002010-10-18T22:22:50.773-05:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TL0Oq0aMktI/AAAAAAAAAEs/sw6IORAPAYg/s1600/ABC+Project.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TL0Oq0aMktI/AAAAAAAAAEs/sw6IORAPAYg/s400/ABC+Project.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529592046266651346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">B is for Bad Decisions- like working midnights at the Salvation Army in -35C weather and anything involving youth work!<br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TL0O8qVyTPI/AAAAAAAAAE0/hAGRDktHziw/s1600/Bad+Decisions.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TL0O8qVyTPI/AAAAAAAAAE0/hAGRDktHziw/s320/Bad+Decisions.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529592352801443058" /></a>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-49782264025317892202010-10-14T10:23:00.004-05:002010-10-18T22:23:49.850-05:00Post Convocation Alphabet Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TL0PPu1yMGI/AAAAAAAAAE8/nUi2zZqGHBo/s1600/ABC+Project.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/TL0PPu1yMGI/AAAAAAAAAE8/nUi2zZqGHBo/s400/ABC+Project.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529592680426909794" /></a><br /><br />I'm taking after <a href="http://kylaroma.com">Kyla Roma</a> and doing an Alphabet Project with my own twist.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A is for Acting like you're interested when people talk about mid-terms.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv333/Pixine/Vertebrates/Mammals/Felines/bored-cat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 499px; height: 333px;" src="http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv333/Pixine/Vertebrates/Mammals/Felines/bored-cat.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-19958271643689575752010-10-12T21:46:00.002-05:002010-10-12T21:50:28.052-05:00Free Box O' Monies for ME!Getting paid for training today and tomorrow! Whoo Hoo! <br /><br />I have a sneaking suspicion that I have stumbled into an amazing organization and I will only want to stay and move around to different positions within it. <br /><br />Shifts have been going great and the things I heard today only make me want to work harder. It feels great to finally have a job that I feel I can move up and around in. <br /><br />Knock, Knock. That's me- knocking on wood. I don't want to jinx it.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-9319686878472567992010-10-01T13:10:00.004-05:002010-10-01T13:22:42.964-05:00Attempting to Move ForwardHow do you know when it is time to move on? No, no, no... no more relationship blather from me. How do you know when it is time to move on and away from a job or position that you hold? <br /><br />I had been struggling with leaving my volunteer position at the women's shelter for some time. I felt that I had gained as much knowledge from my position as I could. I loved the staff and I loved the kids who I spent time with there. However, after nearly 6 months of volunteering, it became obvious that there was no more room to learn or advance- especially after the director told me that even though I was an ideal candidate for their current job posting, I would not get the job because I did not have a vehicle. Therefore, I made the decision that I had gotten everything out of the position that I could and told them it was time for me to move on. They understood, wished me well, and agreed to be a new reference for me. <br /><br />I am now faced with a much harder decision. How do I move on from a job that is not teaching me new skills and there is no room for me to move up? It is a much more difficult decision since this position helps to pay my bills. I am not challenged at this job and any decisions I make are second-guessed. I want to find a new workplace where I can learn and grow. But, I'm scared that I won't be able to find one and I will be broke trying to find one. <br /><br />I would be happy with a part time position to compliment my weekend job. Then I could quit the other 2 jobs I still hold. I'm looking, but the market is tight, especially for people just out of school. <br /><br />Wish me luck!JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-16257407045911439862010-09-26T08:40:00.001-05:002010-09-26T08:41:33.442-05:00Bad Things About Not Having a Full Time Job#3. If you piss off the lady that does the scheduling, your shifts get cut in half.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-43949000615431701192010-09-14T14:18:00.004-05:002010-09-14T15:08:13.213-05:00No One is Invited to My 27th Birthday PartyOk! Back to regular posting! I miss my little blog and the few commenters that I have. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_py7xkk1FPe0/SahNjUZNr9I/AAAAAAAAF3g/fRLaOEyAxrI/s400/sad+birthday.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_py7xkk1FPe0/SahNjUZNr9I/AAAAAAAAF3g/fRLaOEyAxrI/s400/sad+birthday.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It was my 26th birthday a couple of weeks ago. <br /><br />I am not a fan of birthdays. Ever since I turned 20 my birthdays have been, let's just say, disappointing. I usually tell the couple of people I really like what I'm planning on doing and they go along for the ride. In the past I have gone to bars, baseball games, on boat rides, dinners, etc. <br /><br />This year I decided to ignore my birthday for the most part. Day of the big 2-6, I slept most of the day. Got a few gifts from my close friends and went shopping. I received no phone calls. I received 2 Facebook messages- one from my brother that simply said "happy birthday"(which is an odd situation in itself) and one from my father. I called my mother as she had surgery the day before. My birthday was like any other day. No cake. No candles. No celebration. <br /><br />I decided that I wanted to have some fun, so the following Friday I planned a small fiesta. Dinner, drinks, and cake. Out of the 29 people I invited out for drinks on a Friday night... 3 showed up. Four including me! I can't say I'm surprised. I knew it would be along those lines. <br /><br />What ever happened to the time when everyone went to everyone's birthday parties. If you weren't invited, you got upset. The birthday boy/girl could even threaten to dis-invite you and you were actually concerned that they would do it! People couldn't wait to buy you gifts and they couldn't wait to play with you on your special day. Now, no one wants to play with you on your special day. They are all out of town or working or too tired. However, they expect you to come to their parties.<br /><br />I've decided I am not going to anyone's bullshit parties anymore. Why do I show up to parties and birthdays and fundraising functions and no one comes to mine? I'm done being social. I am declaring myself akin to the bitter ol' hermit whose yard kids run past on the way home from school. Screw you guys and your Facebook events, I will forever be "not attending". <br /><br />All kidding aside though, as you get older there is no doubt that you lose friends and it only gets harder to make new ones. When events like this occur and your eyes are opened as to who is really there for you it can be sad, but it is also nice to see who is beside you when your eyes do finally open. I had a wonderful surprise that night when someone I did not expect showed up and it was wonderful to chat with him after so long. <br /><br />In my own humble opinion- birthday parties should be outlawed after the age of 18.JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542580770459611230.post-40222056581744474182010-08-28T18:01:00.004-05:002010-08-28T18:24:50.482-05:00Long Overdue UpdateOn July 31st, I moved out of the apartment I shared with my long time fiance. It was very unexpected and difficult for me. I moved in with an amazing friend who let me sleep in her living room while I figured out what exactly I was going to do about find a place to live. I slept on an air mattress for a month and lived out of Rubbermaid containers. <br /><br />I went to go see many apartments- some nice, some horrible, some with bed bug problems, others without. I looked at places far from my old home with my Mister. I looked at another across the street from him. <br /><br />I finally decided on a bachelor apartment with a lot of storage just down the street from 2 of my jobs. It includes hydro. It's a short bus ride or a 40 minute walk to my old apartment. I'm starting to think about things that I need. I need a bed! I need a table. I need so many things that it is a little scary to think about when I move in I will have next to nothing. But that's ok. I plan to make my new apartment colorful. Very colorful. I want it to echo a happy life. If the apartment is cheery, maybe I can be too. <br /><br />Speaking of new things... I did not mention... I got a new job. It is only a part time term position but it is a great opportunity for me. I am working as a residential care worker in a 28 day rehab facility for women. It is a crown corporation, so I am basically with the government right now. It also mean that it is the most I have ever made hourly :) I have already worked 3 training shifts and people think that I am excelling- I've admitted people, discharged people, ran a group, written logs, dispensed meds, and more. The women are all cookoo crazy, but I can get along with them. My next shift is an overnight from 11pm til 7am. Wish me luck on that one. I've done it before at a shelter I worked at and I was okay. Although, this place is a lot more quiet than the homeless shelter. <br /><br />While writing this blog I kept thinking that it seems like I am moving on. I'm not moving on so much as shifting. Shifting spaces, shifting paradigms. When one door closes... another opens... I'm keeping things from my old life, but I am also letting things go. I hope those things I want to keep in my life want the same thing. Those things should contemplate a pardigm shift of their own.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/THmaftU76uI/AAAAAAAAAEM/NHkH0A2jZ4g/s1600/Picture1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Drv84od_s70/THmaftU76uI/AAAAAAAAAEM/NHkH0A2jZ4g/s200/Picture1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510605488598543074" /></a>JVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15510631850307296158noreply@blogger.com0